Indie Web Series: Gal Pals
The complexity of relationships stems from both inner and outer factors that can contribute to either the growth or dissolution of a partnership. These factors are tackled through various methods including revenge, therapy, or even self-discovery. The web series Gal Pals brings a unique perspective to these topics with a comedic twist.
The web series presents the story of multiple LGBTQ women who live in Los Angeles and their different experiences in relationships. It also tackles how the different backstories of each character have affected them in a positive or negative way as a form of exploration that unfolds nicely upon the viewer’s perspective. With an aim to present a more broad outlook on young LGBT women, the show succeeds in both its storytelling and purpose in the digital platform era.
The story of Gal Pals is presented through the perspective of our main character Bee, played by Katie Stoddard, who ends up in a self-destructive path of hooking up with as many straight women as possible. This never-ending cycle ends up affecting her best friend Olivia, played by Skarlett Redd, and Dylan, played by Anna Wyatt, who serves as Bee’s romantic interest in Season 1. This plays a huge part in the show’s development as the complexity of Bee’s interests against her circle becomes the backbone of the web series throughout each season.
The execution of the show in every season serves as an impressive representation of growth in terms of cinematography, editing, and quality, which is an aspect that is resembled throughout the story’s progression, interactiveness, and performances. The web series is comprised of 8 episodes that can last from 3 to 13 minutes depending on the storyline. This quality is what keeps audiences intrigued since the creators of the show understand how to pack a punch in each chronicle without overdoing it in order to keep their community invested.
This is also reflected excellently in how the creators have connected each character by creating a nice back and forth interplay that displays honest and unique portrayals of each character’s take on sexuality, life, and how it affects them. These are all executed exceptionally with a comedic tone that makes for a quotable and relatable tale in how these different personalities navigate through a reflection of an underserved community and its struggles. This has prompted attention from the media and the community, who have followed the show since its premiere in 2017 on YouTube.
This connection is upheld well thanks to the presentation of new characters that add flair to the already complicated lifestyle of Bee and her friends. This is showcased in Season 2 with the addition of Parissa Koo as Aya, who teams up with Dylan after being romantically involved with Bee, and in Season 3 with Bonnie Jean as Carter, who serves as a taste of Bee’s own medicine and a reflection of her past. Both performances are well casted and prompt the series to end perfectly in its last season with full closure for all characters and no loose ends.
Another aspect that shines throughout the show is how the creators delve into different backstories in order for the audience to understand in what ways each character has been shaped. This is specifically showcased with our main character Bee on two occasions when we are presented with her family and their attempts of acceptance with their daughter while sharing a meal versus the start of her long-lasting friendship with Olivia thanks to her acceptance. This is also explored with the character of Dylan during a conversation about her sexuality with Edison, played by Katy Erin, and with Maddie, played by Alison Chang, during a scene where she receives a phone call from her family.
Created by Sarah Soderquist and Kallie Rose Tenney, the web series stems primarily from the curiosity of “catfishing” and its consequences. Soderquist and Tenney are a dynamic duo, as they both also serve as directors, writers, and producers for the web series which spawned a total of three seasons. The first episode of season 1 premiered on the digital media platform in July 2017 with 271, 352 views, and 49,000 likes.
The title derives from the creator’s real-life relationship, as they have always considered themselves the original Gal Pals. The pair met during their sophomore year at Columbia College in Chicago, but it wasn’t until years later that they decided to make it official. Soderquist and Tenney also confirmed that they ended the series in order to pursue other projects.
Gal Pals has garnered no less than 160,000,00 views for all 24 episodes that form the three seasons and a hefty following with 80,2000 subscribers on the show’s main platform. This has led the show to further develop its communities on other social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter due to its popularity among viewers. The series has also garnered recognition in various festivals and award shows including the GlexaCon Film Festival and the Streamy Awards.
Gal Pals accomplishes a strong connection with LGBTQ audiences by presenting a fresh take on the romantic sitcom dedicated to the complexities, complications, and experiences that make up the complicated spectrum of relationships. This web series proves to be a game-changer for the still much-needed stories and representation in mainstream media. Don’t miss out on all the quirks, laughs, and lessons this series has to offer.
